Question

The Rajya Sabha is the second chamber of the Indian Parliament and represents the interest of the States. In this context explain the following:
a. It's composition.
b. Qualifications for membership.
c. Terms of the House and any two of its legislative powers.

Answer 1

• (a) The Constitution fixes the maximum membership to 250. Of these, 230 are elected indirectly by the state legislatures by single transferable votes system while the President can appoint 12 members for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services.
  
• (b) A member of the Rajya Sabha:
  

1.Must be a citizen of India.

2.Must make and subscribe before some person authorized in that behalf by the Election Commission an oath or affirmation.

3. Must be at least 30 years old.

4. Must possess other qualifications prescribed by the Parliament.

• (c) The term of the members of the House is six years. One-third of members retire every two years. Therefore it is called the permanent house of Parliament.
  

Legislative powers:

Introduction and passage of ordinary bills and Constitutional amendment bills, approval of ordinances.